553 STATE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. 



taken up, " How often should growing plants or crops be cultivated to 

 benefit both soil and crops? " The subject was ably discussed and listened 

 to by many friends from the city. Oar regular social picnic dinner was held 

 also in the grove and enjoyed by many invited guests. The after-dinner 

 session waslargely attended by friends from both near and far, adding 

 more names to our roll. After listening to a fine recitation by Mrs. 

 Knight, the regular topics chosen for the day were ably discussed. 



Our September meeting was held in Madison, at the residence of Mr. 

 and Mrs. Gustin. The president not being able to be present, the 

 meeting was called to order by Vice-President Sheffield. The fore- 

 noon discussion on " Spring and fall planting of fruit trees " was then 

 disposed of, and a viewing committee appointed to inspect the nursery 

 grounds of our hosts. Then came dinner, which was rendered more pleas- 

 ant by the hearty greetings to a former and honored member of our society, 

 Mr. S. B. Mann of Glenwood. Florida, who gave us a talk during the after- 

 noon session on " Oranges and the fruits of Florida." He also gave a few 

 pointers in regard to making out good, clear reports for newspaper pub- 

 lication, telling by his own experience how they are appreciated by 

 friends at a distance, whose hearts are warmed up as each old, familiar 

 name is mentioned and the new names are accepted and loved as a part of 

 the brotherhood. The interest in our own community is increased, resulting 

 both in new memberships and the desire to raise nicer varieties of 

 fruits and flowers, thereby bringing greater happiness to o ir homes. 

 The committee on grounds reported a large quantity of nursery stock, 

 consisting of apples, pears, peaches, plums, and other fruits, all in high 

 state of cultivation, and which received high encomiums from the view- 

 ing committee. 



The October meeting was held in Madison, at the residence of N. F. 

 Nickekson. The forenoon being very stormy, it was feared there would be 

 a small attendance, but by the time the dinner was over, the weather clear- 

 ing somewhat, there was a large attendance, as there invariably is when the 

 society is invited to private houses. An able paper was read during the 

 afternoon session, by J. W. Woolsey, on " Shade and fruit trees along the 

 roadside, around the farm, and in the door-yard." calling forth a lively 

 discussion; after which we listened to a very funny recitation by Mrs. Geo. 

 Knight. 



The November meeting was held at Horticultural hall, and was well 

 attended. Our dinner, partaking somewhat of the nature of a Thanksgiv- 

 ing feast, was highly appreciated. The after-dinner session was opened by a 

 Thanksgiving recitation by Miss Mary C. Allis, after which came topic 

 and discussion, followed by another recitation by Miss Helen Nickerson. 

 The next, and final, meeting of the society for the year, was appointed to 

 be held at Horticultural hall, for the purpose of electing new officers. 



Of eminent services rendered to the horticulture of the country during 

 the past year, Lenawee begs leave to contribute here a share. Mr. H. C. 

 Bradish has shown, for several years past, that grapes that are especially 

 subject to mildew may be successfully raised by spreading and thinning 

 the branches and rearing them in an open place, to give a free circulation 

 of air. 



